Latest news with #WorldTest
The Age
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
‘I've come a long way': Sam Konstas returns to Australian Test team, inked and inspired
'Obviously, it's a tough team to crack and [it has] got legends of the game in that team,' Konstas said. 'Very excited for the opportunity and hopefully, I can grab it with both hands. 'I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked [other players in recent Tests]. I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way. Hopefully, I can display that in the next few Test matches. 'It's a dream come true, to be honest. [To be] 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am.' As Konstas prepares for a new chapter, Labuschagne is facing the unfamiliar reality of being dropped from the Test team for the first time since 2019. Those close to him say he's handled the setback as well as possible. 'He's a great mentor of mine,' said Konstas of Labuschagne. 'I'm pretty sure his average is [nearly] 50. Hopefully one day I can get there. I always go to him for advice.' Australia will have two main training sessions on Saturday and Monday before the opening Test on Wednesday against a West Indies side battling for consistency. Konstas's all-out attacking approach and combative attitude in his first two matches against India prompted some to question whether his temperament was suited for Test cricket. The teenager admits he got a bit carried away during his debut in Melbourne and the game after in Sydney, but says he'll play more conventionally this time. 'I still can't believe it. I don't know what was going through my mind at that time,' Konstas said. 'I thought it was right in the moment. It was good fun. 'The emotions probably got to me with the crowd. It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game. Hopefully we get to win the next Test match. 'I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game. I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on. 'To be honest, I know quite a few of the [West Indies] players, maybe half the team. When I've watched them, they've had brute pace, they're very skilful, and I can't wait for the challenge ahead.' Former England captain and Fox Sports commentator Michael Vaughan likes the idea of Konstas at the top and Josh Inglis at No.3 against the West Indies. Loading 'I think he's been given a bit of a raw deal having to face Jasprit Bumrah on green tops to suddenly not playing in Sri Lanka and not playing in the World Test championship final,' said Vaughan ahead of the series, which will be shown on Kayo Sports and ESPN. 'He seems to be a kid that just can cope with things. He's a hell of a character and he was the story of the summer. He hasn't played since. It is a little bit strange. 'Someone like Josh Inglis ... if I was an Australia selector, I'd want in my team. He's a wonderful player. I think he's got a game that can play anywhere. He could quite easily bat at three.'
Sydney Morning Herald
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I've come a long way': Sam Konstas returns to Australian Test team, inked and inspired
'Obviously, it's a tough team to crack and [it has] got legends of the game in that team,' Konstas said. 'Very excited for the opportunity and hopefully, I can grab it with both hands. 'I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked [other players in recent Tests]. I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way. Hopefully, I can display that in the next few Test matches. 'It's a dream come true, to be honest. [To be] 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am.' As Konstas prepares for a new chapter, Labuschagne is facing the unfamiliar reality of being dropped from the Test team for the first time since 2019. Those close to him say he's handled the setback as well as possible. 'He's a great mentor of mine,' said Konstas of Labuschagne. 'I'm pretty sure his average is [nearly] 50. Hopefully one day I can get there. I always go to him for advice.' Australia will have two main training sessions on Saturday and Monday before the opening Test on Wednesday against a West Indies side battling for consistency. Konstas's all-out attacking approach and combative attitude in his first two matches against India prompted some to question whether his temperament was suited for Test cricket. The teenager admits he got a bit carried away during his debut in Melbourne and the game after in Sydney, but says he'll play more conventionally this time. 'I still can't believe it. I don't know what was going through my mind at that time,' Konstas said. 'I thought it was right in the moment. It was good fun. 'The emotions probably got to me with the crowd. It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game. Hopefully we get to win the next Test match. 'I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game. I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on. 'To be honest, I know quite a few of the [West Indies] players, maybe half the team. When I've watched them, they've had brute pace, they're very skilful, and I can't wait for the challenge ahead.' Former England captain and Fox Sports commentator Michael Vaughan likes the idea of Konstas at the top and Josh Inglis at No.3 against the West Indies. Loading 'I think he's been given a bit of a raw deal having to face Jasprit Bumrah on green tops to suddenly not playing in Sri Lanka and not playing in the World Test championship final,' said Vaughan ahead of the series, which will be shown on Kayo Sports and ESPN. 'He seems to be a kid that just can cope with things. He's a hell of a character and he was the story of the summer. He hasn't played since. It is a little bit strange. 'Someone like Josh Inglis ... if I was an Australia selector, I'd want in my team. He's a wonderful player. I think he's got a game that can play anywhere. He could quite easily bat at three.'
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Virat and Sharma are massive losses, but India have depth: Brydon Carse
England pacer Brydon Carse is expecting the transitioning Indian team to put up a strong fight in the five-match Test series despite the recent retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, thanks to their "huge depth". Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket last month, after which, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the new skipper keeping the future in mind. "Look, obviously, you know, Virat and Sharma are massive losses for their batting line-up. They've been experienced players over a number of years and, you know, world-class batters. "But the depth that Indian cricket have and the quality and players coming through, you know, they will, without a doubt, put up a very strong 11 and we're ready for whatever challenge that brings," Carse said here on Wednesday. The series begins here from Friday. Carse, the strapping fast bowler with a quick arm action, said their bowling attack will look to take advantage of a bit of inexperience in the Indian line-up depending on the nature of pitches. "Yeah, look, I mean, they're quality players. Again, you know, depending on what the surface plays like. I think any batter that you're bowling at, you know, with a new ball or their first 20 balls is susceptible to getting out. "So, whenever we have an opportunity at any of their top-order batters, we'll have plans and processes in place, to obviously knock them over as quick as we can," Carse added. He missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year after being ruled out of the tournament due to a toe injury, but he has recovered from that in the intervening period. England will head into the opener with one of their least experienced bowling attack in recent memory, with James Anderson retired and the pace duo of duo Jofra Archer and Mark Wood injured, leaving the likes of Carse and Chris Woakes to shoulder additional responsibility. "I'd like to think, I can be quite adaptable, hopefully. Again, over the winter, we saw slightly different conditions and different roles used. "There has been a little bit of conversation around the new ball. I'm sure, you know, over the next 24 hours, I'll have more clarity over that, and it's an opportunity that I'm relishing." Asked if he is the sort of bowler who would ask the captain to hand him new ball, Carse answered in the affirmative. "I mean, if that's the discussion around, you know, this first game, I mean, yeah, of course I'll relish to put my hand up and take that chance. And just, obviously, we're in a new cycle now after that World Test championship." Carse is preparing to play his first home Test after 27 wickets across five matches in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter, and the fact that will be up against a very talented lot makes the pacer excited. "Like I said, they are one of the best teams in the world. So to have that opportunity to play against the quality of players that we're going to play against, I think naturally as a sportsman, you know, you raise your level and you want to be as competitive as ever. "The last couple of days, the test squad is joining up. We've had a couple of good days of training already and obviously something to look really forward to come Friday. You know, playing in Headingley, which is one of the best grounds in the country, I think. "And it's an opportunity that I'm looking forward to being a part of. And for England, it's a start of a very important period. Five Tests against India, then the Ashes down under." The next few months will be crucial for the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum duo as they take on India in five Tests followed by as many matches against Australia in the Ashes Down Under. During the press conference, Carse was asked if it is feasible for him or any fast bowler to play in all of the 10 matches this summer. "That's probably something that we will continue to assess after each game. Like I said, there is a group of fast bowlers. "But, from everyone's point of view and from my own personal point of view, whether you play one Test, two Tests, three Tests in a row, however it may be, or five, you're making sure that your body is 100% going into each game and just taking it each game as it comes. "But I'm ready to play now and we'll address those certain things in the time to come. I mean, this is a series where the eyes of the world will be. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
eNCA
3 days ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Sport minister praises Bavuma's resilience
BackpagePix JOHANNESBURG - Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has paid special tribute to Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma. The skipper endured a lot of criticism in the past, with many calling for his head when the Proteas could not secure victory. READ: You did it boys! SA beams as Proteas return home with ICC mace However, on Saturday he proved his doubters wrong, leading South Africa to a historic World Test Championship title at Lord's in London. McKenzie was speaking during a press briefing after the Proteas landed in SA on Wednesday. The minister says Bavuma has united the country. The SA cricket team secured a historic win against Australia, which marked the countries first ICC title in 27 years. From one champion team to another — respect all around! As the Springboks gear up for their season, they've been watching the Proteas with pride. Captain Siya Kolisi had nothing but praise for the newly crowned World Test champs, and reminded us it takes more than just talent to bring the mace home. It takes heart.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Massive Loss": England Pacer On India's Batting Depth After Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli's Retirement
England pacer Brydon Carse is expecting the transitioning Indian team to put up a strong fight in the five-match Test series despite the recent retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, thanks to their "huge depth". Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket last month, after which, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the new skipper keeping the future in mind. "Look, obviously, you know, Virat and Sharma are massive losses for their batting line-up. They've been experienced players over a number of years and, you know, world-class batters. "But the depth that Indian cricket have and the quality and players coming through, you know, they will, without a doubt, put up a very strong 11 and we're ready for whatever challenge that brings," Carse said here on Wednesday. The series begins here from Friday. Carse, the strapping fast bowler with a quick arm action, said their bowling attack will look to take advantage of a bit of inexperience in the Indian line-up depending on the nature of pitches. "Yeah, look, I mean, they're quality players. Again, you know, depending on what the surface plays like. I think any batter that you're bowling at, you know, with a new ball or their first 20 balls is susceptible to getting out. "So, whenever we have an opportunity at any of their top-order batters, we'll have plans and processes in place, to obviously knock them over as quick as we can," Carse added. He missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year after being ruled out of the tournament due to a toe injury, but he has recovered from that in the intervening period. England will head into the opener with one of their least experienced bowling attack in recent memory, with James Anderson retired and the pace duo of duo Jofra Archer and Mark Wood injured, leaving the likes of Carse and Chris Woakes to shoulder additional responsibility. "I'd like to think, I can be quite adaptable, hopefully. Again, over the winter, we saw slightly different conditions and different roles used. "There has been a little bit of conversation around the new ball. I'm sure, you know, over the next 24 hours, I'll have more clarity over that, and it's an opportunity that I'm relishing." Asked if he is the sort of bowler who would ask the captain to hand him new ball, Carse answered in the affirmative. "I mean, if that's the discussion around, you know, this first game, I mean, yeah, of course I'll relish to put my hand up and take that chance. And just, obviously, we're in a new cycle now after that World Test championship." Carse is preparing to play his first home Test after 27 wickets across five matches in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter, and the fact that will be up against a very talented lot makes the pacer excited. "Like I said, they are one of the best teams in the world. So to have that opportunity to play against the quality of players that we're going to play against, I think naturally as a sportsman, you know, you raise your level and you want to be as competitive as ever. "The last couple of days, the test squad is joining up. We've had a couple of good days of training already and obviously something to look really forward to come Friday. You know, playing in Headingley, which is one of the best grounds in the country, I think. "And it's an opportunity that I'm looking forward to being a part of. And for England, it's a start of a very important period. Five Tests against India, then the Ashes down under." The next few months will be crucial for the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum duo as they take on India in five Tests followed by as many matches against Australia in the Ashes Down Under. During the press conference, Carse was asked if it is feasible for him or any fast bowler to play in all of the 10 matches this summer. "That's probably something that we will continue to assess after each game. Like I said, there is a group of fast bowlers. "But, from everyone's point of view and from my own personal point of view, whether you play one Test, two Tests, three Tests in a row, however it may be, or five, you're making sure that your body is 100% going into each game and just taking it each game as it comes. "But I'm ready to play now and we'll address those certain things in the time to come. I mean, this is a series where the eyes of the world will be."
